Certificate Programs

Latin American Studies (Certificate)

The interdisciplinary nature of the program allows students to supplement their majors with relevant skills provided by other disciplines. A History major could demonstrate language and other humanities skills, as well as social science competence, without having to complete a minor in any one (not to mention all) of those areas. Similarly, a Political Science major could add the Latin American Studies certificate to show competence in the humanities.

International business students may well want to concentrate on Latin American Studies to fulfill the requirement for courses outside the College of Business Administration. The certificate program may enhance employment possibilities or satisfy personal interests.

Curricular Philosophy

Students must have some common knowledge. This argues for a core, but given the frequency of offerings, it would be impractical to identify mandatory core courses.

Students should have the freedom to build a set of courses which provides a personal and professional perspective within the framework of the certificate program.

The study of languages is essential for communication across cultures.

Study in the country or culture of interest is a preferred avenue to prepare for a career that crosses cultures.

Specialization in an area implies effort and achievement beyond minimal standards. A relatively high standard of student work in this certificate affirms the college's quest for continued excellence.

Proposed Curriculum:

(16 semester credits)

Basic Courses - at least 6 credits must come from among the following, and must be in departments other than the student's major(s):

(or from among the courses in "A" above not counted toward that requirement)
Other courses may apply toward elective credit with the approval of the Program Committee.

All students must fulfill the college foreign-language requirement in either Spanish or Portuguese. In addition, of the courses taken toward the certificate, one must be designated SPN (in Spanish) (or the equivalent in Portuguese). If the student has declared a Spanish major or minor, this requirement will not apply.

Foreign study in a Latin American country will be encouraged. Exchange programs will be explored as appropriate through faculty contacts and the director of International Programs. Up to 6 credits of study abroad which is of the nature of the courses in the Basic and Elective curriculum may be applied toward elective credit for the certificate.

A minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5 is required for certificate course work. No more than one S/U course may be counted toward the certificate.